Non-attendance in obedience to an order from public servant

What this section does

Penalises a person who, being legally bound to attend at a specified place and time in obedience to a summons, notice, order, or proclamation from a competent public servant, intentionally fails to attend or departs before the lawful time. A higher punishment applies where the attendance is required before a Court.

AI-generated plain-language summary. For the binding statutory text, see India Code (official).

Quick reference

Punishment

(a) General: Simple imprisonment up to 1 month, or fine up to ₹5,000, or both. (b) Where attendance is required in person or by agent in a Court: Simple imprisonment up to 6 months, or fine up to ₹10,000, or both.

Triable by

Any Magistrate

Cognizable

No

Bailable

Yes

Compoundable

No

Ingredients (what prosecution must prove)

1. The accused was legally bound to attend in person or by agent at a certain place and time
2. The obligation arose from a summons, notice, order, or proclamation issued by a legally competent public servant
3. The accused intentionally omitted to attend at that place or time, or departed before the lawful time of departure

Derived from IPC s.174.